Many of us are familiar with the iconic surf hit “Walk Don’t Run” by the Ventures. What you might not know is that this was originally written as a jazz guitar instrumental back in 1954 by a talented young guitarist called Johnny Smith. Johnny’s skill and versatility saw him go from playing in hillbilly ensembles in the 1940s to moving up in the world of jazz, playing in orchestra ensembles and arranging for NBC in the early 1950s. Smith’s most critically acclaimed song was Moonlight in Vermont, featuring Stan Getz on tenor sax. 

In 1958 Johnny Smith opened Johnny Smith Music. Known for expert jazz guitar tuition, top tier repair and servicing, as well as the sale of fine jazz arch top guitars. This place became a pilgrimage for jazz guitarists, mentoring young players such as Bill Frisell.

One thing that makes this particular instrument so special is that it was purchased from Johnny directly by a close friend and co worker at Johnny Smith Music. This guitar has been lovingly cared for by the original owner since new (check out those original Johnny Smith Music guitar picks!). We have a a number of great old photos of this guitar with its owner and Johnny, enjoying family events together and working in the shop. This guitar symbolizes a jazz legacy and friendship with one of the greats.

This guitar has been kept in remarkable condition over the last 42 years. The only evidence of age is in the rather attractive checking/cracking of the nitro and yellowing of the finish. Otherwise this guitar is in exceptional condition. It comes with an original hard shell case which is in structurally good condition, although 2 of the latches are broken. 

This instrument has a bright, punchy sound when played acoustically. It is loud and resonant. Combine this with the warmth of its floating mini humbucker and you have the quintessential jazz box tone. Warm and expressive with enough poke to articulate itself in a mix. A mini jack output off the pickguard handles the sound delivery and keeps all electrical components external from the guitar - save for an earth wire to the bridge. 

The scale length of the Johnny Smith model is 25” - putting it in between the standard long scale of 25.5” (L5s, L7s etc) and the shorter 24 3/4 (ES 175, Les Pauls etc). This combination gives a bright projection while making larger chord voicing a little easier on the hands.

The neck profile is a comfortable ‘slightly bigger than medium’ feel, with a subtle extra thickness in the shoulders, leaning into D rather than C profile territory.  

This is a top tier contender for the passionate jazz guitarist and collector alike. However you look at it, this premium vintage Gibson jazz box does not disappoint. 

 
Brand: Gibson
Model: Johnny Smith
Country: USA
Year: 1984
Serial: 80384XXX
Case: OHSC
Body Colour: Natural
Neck Colour: Natural
Finish Type: Nitro
Body Material: Carved spruce top with maple back and sides
Neck Material: 3 piece maple with two mahogany strips
Fretboard Material: Ebony
Scale Length: 25”
Frets: 20
Fretboard Radius: 12”
Action (Low E): 2mm
Neck Profile: D
Nut Width: 44.5mm (1.75”)
12th Fret Width: 53.6mm (2.11”)
1st Fret Depth: 20mm
10th Fret Depth: 23mm
Pickups: Floating mini humbucker
Resistance: 6.5k
Electronics: Single volume knob
Knobs: Silver top speed knob
Pick Guard: Tortoiseshell w 5 ply binding
Tuners: Kluson (by Schaller) Sealfast tuners
Hardware: Gold plated
Weight: 2.99kg / 6.6lbs
Mods, Repairs: N/A